PS3 Engine Not Responding to DCS

Tyler1819 posted:

I just purchased a new Railking Imperial J with PS3.  When I put it on the track with power to add it to the remote, the engine starts up without being commanded to by the remote and the engine hasn't even been added to the remote yet.  DCS will not detect it at all.  I have a couple of PS2 engines that run fine with my DCS system but for whatever reason this engine won't respond to DCS.    

 

Any suggestions?  Maybe i'm doing something wrong but something doesn't seem right.  

Not doing anything wrong.  In some PS3 models the way the wiring harness is run it interferes with the engines ability to detect the DCS signal.  Search the forum, you will find others that have this problem.  I have seen this in the GP35s and the SD50.  I returned two of the three models due to this issue.  On the third I did tinker with the harness and was able to get it to work, but if there is  more than one engine on the track....the engine has fits..CHECK TRACK and all sorts of issues.  I simply refuse to have to "rework" something in order to get it to operate like it should.  To think that these were QA'd before being boxed.  

ChessieMD posted:

Tyler1819 posted:

I just purchased a new Railking Imperial J with PS3.  When I put it on the track with power to add it to the remote, the engine starts up without being commanded to by the remote and the engine hasn't even been added to the remote yet.  DCS will not detect it at all.  I have a couple of PS2 engines that run fine with my DCS system but for whatever reason this engine won't respond to DCS.    

 

Any suggestions?  Maybe i'm doing something wrong but something doesn't seem right.  

Not doing anything wrong.  In some PS3 models the way the wiring harness is run it interferes with the engines ability to detect the DCS signal.  Search the forum, you will find others that have this problem.  I have seen this in the GP35s and the SD50.  I returned two of the three models due to this issue.  On the third I did tinker with the harness and was able to get it to work, but if there is  more than one engine on the track....the engine has fits..CHECK TRACK and all sorts of issues.  I simply refuse to have to "rework" something in order to get it to operate like it should.  To think that these were QA'd before being boxed.  

Ok thanks.  I'll mess with the harness a little more but most likely it seems that I'll be sending this one back.   Very disappointing.   

hi check with GGG there is a signal issue with the way the wire harness is routed around the antenna, just email GGG from Virginia, he knows exactly what the problem is and you may be able to take care of the problem your self or send engine to GGG and he can repair, don't believe it will probably not be a big issue check with GGG first he is an excellent technician and has helped me out many times!

Alan Mancus

Does loco move under conventional control?  What is model number?  Do a conventional reset from transformer, not from remote, with no dcs signal turned on.

RJR posted:

Does loco move under conventional control?  What is model number?  Do a conventional reset from transformer, not from remote, with no dcs signal turned on.

I actually got DCS to find it and I added it to the remote but I had to take my other engines off the track.  It still starts up without being commanded to, I have to shut it down then start it up.

Steam does not seem to have the same issue as Diesel.  Is there a DSC/DCC switch on the tender? Make sure in DSC position.  (Close the 2 wires).  IF no switch there is a jumper inside tender on board or a jumper with wires connected via wire nut. Inspect that to make sure connected.   G

I have to shut it down then start it up.

Just press Startup. There's no need to press Shut Down first.

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!

Update:  I have the engine added to the remote and it runs fine but why does it start up automatically without being commanded to?

Tyler,

I have the engine added to the remote and it runs fine but why does it start up automatically without being commanded to?

Some newer PS3 engines will automatically start up under DCS and begins to move if you advance the thumbwheel 1 click.

I have one that starts up itself about 30 seconds after receiving the watchdog, even if I don't touch wheel.

RJR posted:

I have one that starts up itself about 30 seconds after receiving the watchdog, even if I don't touch wheel.

Yeah same with this one, I don't touch anything on the remote and it starts up.

It hasn't presented any issues, so I don't bother with it.  This is a factory diesel board in a PRR MU set.  I have a steamer that doesn't do this, and just starts up and moves when thumbwheel is rolled.

I tried running the engine again just before..... noticed it frequently will not respond to commands from the remote.  Tried pressing the whistle three times before it responded  Also with the thumbwheel it would not respond to speed input for about five seconds.  There is also a distorted/static sound that comes and goes.

Sounds like a call (not letter) to MTH tech support (not LHS) would be a good idea.  MTH stands behind its warranties.